President Masoud Pezeshkian departed Tehran on Friday to attend the 18th BRICS summit, asserting that the bloc has the capacity to counter unilateralism and expand economic, trade, industrial and scientific cooperation among its members, according to official reports.
The high-level diplomatic gathering brings together a coalition that currently accounts for more than 45 percent of the world’s population and about 35 percent of the world’s territory. Speaking ahead of his departure, Pezeshkian emphasized that the main goal of the bloc is to enable countries to develop their economic and trade relations while preserving their independence, according to regional coverage.
This year’s summit slogan is based on solidarity, sustainability, resistance and innovation. With membership now standing at 21 members—comprising 11 full members and 10 new members known as “BRICS Plus”—the coalition represents a growing counterweight to unilateralism.
Challenging Dollar Dominance and Financial Unilateralism
A central pillar of Pezeshkian’s agenda during the summit centers on financial cooperation and the importance of reducing dependence on the dollar in economic exchanges. The president pointed to the establishment of the BRICS bank as a mechanism to facilitate joint investment and activities among member states and to stand against the excessive financial demands of major global powers.
“The effort is for countries to develop economically and regionally without dependence on the dollar, and to stand against unilateralism and the excessive demands of major powers,” Pezeshkian said, as reported by regional media.
By fostering cooperation, member states aim to develop economically and regionally without dependence on the dollar.
Multilateral Diplomacy and Bilateral Engagements
During his time at the summit, Pezeshkian’s itinerary includes addressing the main BRICS leaders’ meeting, speaking at the BRICS economic forum, and participating in a closed session dedicated to inclusive global governance and the strengthening of multilateralism.
The diplomatic mission also serves as a platform for critical bilateral discussions. Pezeshkian will meet with the prime minister of India, the prime minister of Malaysia, the president of South Africa, and other attending leaders and officials. Discussions with Indian leadership are expected to reinforce long-standing relations, shared cultural heritage, and expanding cooperation across economic, social, and cultural sectors.
The participation of China, Russia, Brazil, India and other regional countries creates expansive opportunities for both bilateral and multilateral cooperation and consultations, according to the Iranian administration.
Looking Ahead at Global Governance
Addressing questions regarding the practical efficacy of the bloc, Pezeshkian maintained that BRICS was established to confront unilateralism. He argued that the dominance some powers have established over international relations in recent years requires new approaches and deeper intra-bloc cooperation.
“Innovation and developing cooperation among member states can help strengthen BRICS and reduce unilateralism in the international system,” Pezeshkian stated.
As the 18th BRICS summit progresses, observers will closely monitor the finalized declarations.
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